pickI think one of the most used literary devices in The Glass Castle is similes, they give meaning to the text beyond just the words used, it tests the reader's knowledge of the outside world but also helps them relate their own experience to the text.
tina.dang For example, I know that cactuses are predominant in the desert because of their ability to survive and sustain themselves in such conditions. But as I did more research, I found out that cactuses can do this because of their long period of 'starvation'. 6mo
tina.dang Since cactuses live in the desert, a place with little nourishment or hydration, they use very little energy and can sustain themselves for a long while till the next rainfall; and when that time does come, they soak up every drop so they're able to keep themselves alive in the desert. This is a mirroring analogy between the Walls family (their lifestyle) to how cactuses survive. 6mo
tina.dang Even Jeannette herself acknowledges the similarities between the two of them. While it's certainly a great simile, allowing the reader to relate their knowledge to just a simple word, it's also very saddening to see Jeannette, especially as a kid, make such a heartbreaking comparison (at least to me). I won't deny that I think the way that it's used is genius, but I also think it has a slight undertone of desolation. 6mo
tina.dang I feel as if Jeannette (as a kid) did not think very much of her living arrangements and how dysfunctional her family must have been for her childhood to be like that; she would have no idea regardless because she is isolated from any real influence besides her own family at that time. The comparison between her family and the cactuses is indeed very good, but it also shows the desperation and determination they have to just survive. 6mo
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